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Find me a business owner who doesn't want customers and, as they say, 'I'll eat my hat'.
These days due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some businesses owners are erring on the side of caution and are putting away the welcome mat for some customers.
This week in NSW's Central Tablelands Bathurst RSL put a ban on visitors from Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Albury and Victoria for the next fortnight, while nearby Orange Ex-Services' Club will say no to people from Victoria and 14 hotspots in Sydney and NSW.
A jewellery shop and hair salon in Victoria explained to the Bendigo Advertiser why they would, temporarily, no longer allow customers into their stores.
Cafe Borellas in Albury, in NSW's Murray region, is still welcoming in customers, but it is among the businesses that have had a positive COVID-19 case.
Owner George Benyon urged other business owners to take COVID safety plans seriously after he was able to promptly provide NSW Health with details of diners who had registered as part of the eatery's safety plan.
"What I've learnt over the past 24 hours is how important it is to have a COVID plan," he said.
But, it's not that these businesses don't want customers, it is quite the opposite.
When the coronavirus pandemic started Dubbo RSL, in NSW's Central West, laid off 230 staff and it is yet to re-employ all of them due to a downturn in customers.
And, while the Northern Territory's borders may have reopened on Friday, continuing uncertainty has led to cancellations at some caravan parks.
Many businesses that don't have a shopfront - think artists and musicians - have also been struggling through the pandemic.
At Blueys Beach near Foster on NSW's Mid North Coast the artworks have gone up outdoors for the crowds and while our favourite musicians might not be gigging how they once did, they're all online and ready to entertain.
So while your favourite cafe, restaurant, homewares store or other business might have closed its shopfront doors, many are ready and waiting online and would love your business.
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